id take a ball holding midfielder who can spot a pass... then make it... and make the forwards work for the ball in a channel which subsequently creates a chance...

ala mata...fabregas etc....

We do also need a midfielder that is comfortable with the ball and moving with it, even if it is just dropping a shoulder and committing a man. The one big difference between Kante and Gueye is he does this and starts an attack as well as breaking one up. We're crying out for someone who can do this, or isn't afraid to have a go at it.

True. He would have played this season up till January, probably improving a midfield that looks scared of doing anything individually with the ball apart from treating it like a hot potato. Now granted Barkley sometimes treated it like his very own potato half the time but at least it would have been a different option.

I can't help but think Barkley would have been more influential in some games than Sigurdsson. Yes, Barkley is too prone to having a stinker and when he does he is no use but if he hits a little bit of form he offer the ability to beat a man or two which Rooney and Sigurdsson don't have.

Managed Queen of the South for a few years and won the Second Division title, St Johnstone then came in for him but he lasted less than a season there and was replaced by Owen Coyle. I haven't heard anything of him since.

Thanks Gash - made me search the web and found loads on the man. Not sure if I should stick this on as its a rival so delete as appropo....